CSIRO report highlights Iemma govt motorway folly

Commenting on the release of the CSIRO study 'Fuel for Thought,' Ms Rhiannon said: "The Carr-Iemma government wasted a decade and billions of dollars on new motorway projects.

"They ignored mounting evidence that petrol prices would skyrocket as new oil supplies failed to match growth in demand.

"Despite the pain already being felt by motorists at the bowsers, Premier Morris Iemma continues with this folly, throwing the economic and social future of this state into grave danger.

"Not only will the motorway projects of the last decade stand underutilised as monuments to a short-sighted and irresponsible fixation on private vehicle transport, but precious time is being lost.

"Financial resources and political effort should have been focused on building a public transport network that can cope with massive increases in passengers.

"It is late in the day but now is the time to abandon plans for new motorway projects and pour investment into public transport plan for assisting people in rural and remote areas," Ms Rhiannon said.

The Greens Peak Oil Response Plan Bill 2008, currently before the NSW Upper House, calls for a moratorium on new oil-dependent projects and the establishment of a committee to draft a response plan.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568